Actor - Blog 2.0 - Gangsters Inc. - www.gangstersinc.org
2024-03-29T07:07:42Z
https://gangstersinc.org/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/Actor
Gangsters Inc.'s Showbiz
https://gangstersinc.org/profiles/blogs/gangsters-inc-s-showbiz
2023-02-17T12:30:00.000Z
2023-02-17T12:30:00.000Z
Gangsters Inc.
https://gangstersinc.org/members/GangstersInc
<div><p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gangsters-inc-s-showbiz" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9237061671,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9237061671?profile=original" width="600" /></a>Organized crime is big business. And not just of the illegal kind. Each year, millions are made by film studios, writers, and media giants by turning stories about stone cold gangsters and Mafiosi in cold hard dollars.</p>
<p>We at Gangsters Inc. thoroughly enjoy these products and decided to shine some light on them in this section. This is where we discuss the true story behind some of cinema’s biggest mob classics and keep an eye out for stories about the mob in Hollywood and showbiz, either as a connection or on the silver screen.</p>
<p><strong>Below are some stories, for film trailers visit <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gangsters-inc-at-the-movies">Gangsters Inc. at the movies</a>.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://gangstersinc.org/blog/the-10-best-gangster-tv-series-made-outside-the-usa">The 10 best gangster TV series made outside the USA</a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://gangstersinc.org/blog/blue-murder-profile-of-australian-crime-boss-neddy-smith">Blue Murder: Profile of Australian crime boss “Neddy” Smith</a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://gangstersinc.org/blog/music-business-execs-arrested-for-working-with-promoter-with-ties">Music business execs arrested for working with promoter with ties to Mexican drug cartels</a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://gangstersinc.org/blog/underworld-fame-genovese-mafia-family-capo-and-albanian-gangster">Underworld Fame: Genovese Mafia family capo and “Albanian Gangster” movie actor busted in extortion scheme</a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://gangstersinc.org/blog/watch-series-the-offer-depicts-how-hollywood-took-on-the-new-york">Series The Offer depicts how Hollywood took on the New York Mafia to make The Godfather</a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://gangstersinc.org/blog/the-real-peaky-blinders-attacking-coppers-gambling-on-horses-figh">The Real Peaky Blinders: Attacking coppers, gambling on horses, fighting with fists and guns</a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://gangstersinc.org/blog/a-new-york-mafia-capo-a-member-of-the-yakuza-a-mob-soldier-ex-con">A New York Mafia capo, a member of the Yakuza, a mob soldier, ex-convicts & an Irish gangster rate crime movies</a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://gangstersinc.org/blog/the-time-two-hells-angels-saved-hollywood-actress-salma-hayek-fro">The time two Hells Angels saved Hollywood actress Salma Hayek from a knife-wielding nut</a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://gangstersinc.org/blog/the-end-of-narcos-mexico-ushers-in-the-beginning-of-narcos-usa">The end of Narcos: Mexico ushers in the beginning of Narcos: USA </a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://gangstersinc.org/blog/what-happened-to-tony-soprano-series-creator-david-chase-reveals">What happened to Tony Soprano?</a> Series creator David Chase reveals New Jersey mob boss’ fate</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">From Grammys to prison: <a href="https://gangstersinc.org/blog/from-grammys-to-prison-rap-artist-fetty-wap-caught-in-100kg-multi">Rap artist Fetty Wap caught in 100KG multimillion-dollar drug trafficking organization bust</a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">WATCH: <a href="https://gangstersinc.ning.com/blog/watch-bmf-shows-rise-of-detroit-s-flenory-brothers-as-they-start">BMF shows rise of Detroit’s Flenory brothers</a> as they start their Black Mafia Family</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/lucchese-mafia-family-member-john-perna-gets-30-months-in-prison">Lucchese family member John Perna</a> gets 30 months in prison for attack on Real Housewives star’s hubby</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Famous movie star and respected gangster - <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/famous-movie-star-and-respected-gangster-profile-of-14k-triad-bos">Profile of 14K Triad boss Michael Chan</a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/johnny-stompanato-a-gangster-s-life">Johnny Stompanato: A Gangster’s Life</a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/lucchese-family-soldier-beats-up-new-husband-of-one-of-the-real-h">Lucchese family soldier beats up new husband</a> of one of “The Real Housewives of NJ” as favor to her ex</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gangster-movies-around-the-world-a-greatest-hits">Gangster movies around the world: A Greatest Hits</a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/realism-is-key-in-bronx-based-albanian-gangster-as-it-depicts-war">Realism is key in Bronx-based “Albanian Gangster”</a> as it depicts “war-torn psyche fused with honor code”</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/pinky-rings-and-murder-brooklyn-gangland-of-the-80s-comes-to-life">Pinky rings and murder:</a> Brooklyn gangland of the ‘80s comes to life in new Mafia series Gravesend</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-irishman-meet-the-real-mafia-muscle-behind-martin-scorsese-s">The Irishman: Meet the real Mafia muscle behind Martin Scorsese’s gangster epic</a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/music-label-or-violent-gang-original-block-hustlaz-provided-sound">Music label or violent gang?</a> Original Block Hustlaz provided soundtrack while it flooded Philadelphia with drugs</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/barstool-sports-reviews-alleged-buffalo-mafia-boss-pizza-place">Barstool Sports reviews alleged Buffalo Mafia boss’ pizza place</a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/alleged-street-guys-bring-irish-mob-crew-the-westies-back-to-life">“Alleged” street guys bring Irish mob crew The Westies</a> back to life in upcoming tv series The Flannagans</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-real-john-wick-separating-fact-from-fiction-in-hollywood-s-vi">The Real John Wick</a>: Separating fact from fiction in Hollywood’s violent gangster vengeance blockbuster</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/film-detailing-life-of-mafia-snitch-tommaso-buscetta-competes-for">Film detailing life of Mafia snitch Tommaso Buscetta</a> competes at Cannes Film Festival</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/elusive-drug-boss-frank-matthews-to-hit-the-big-screen-from-narco">Elusive drug boss Frank Matthews to hit the big screen:</a> From narco billionaire at 28 to mysterious phantom</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/cocaine-godmother-griselda-blanco-s-son-michael-corleone-returns">“Cocaine Godmother” Griselda Blanco’s son Michael Corleone</a> returns in Cartel Crew, new reality show</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/hardened-gangster-told-child-actor-you-are-the-only-person-who-ha">Hardened gangster told child actor:</a> “You are the only person who said that to me and lived to tell tale”</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/former-hells-angels-boss-tells-his-story-on-stage-in-outlaw">Former Hells Angels boss tells his story on stage in ‘Outlaw’</a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-godfather-comes-home-to-dartmouth-author-mario-puzo-s-collect">The Godfather comes home to Dartmouth:</a> Mario Puzo’s collection on display at Ivy League college</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/prosecutor-made-famous-by-american-gangster-avoids-prison-time-af">Prosecutor made famous by ‘American Gangster’ avoids prison time</a> after guilty plea to federal tax charges</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mr-undercover-details-life-of-ron-fino-son-of-mafia-capo-who-beca">Mr. Undercover details life of Ron Fino,</a> son of Mafia capo who became undercover operative</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mob-artist-michael-bell-about-fighting-the-system-being-teacher-o">“Mob Artist” Michael Bell about painting portraits of Sopranos & John Gotti</a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-facts-behind-the-gotti-biopic">The facts behind the Gotti biopic starring John Travolta</a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/now-go-home-and-get-your-fucking-shine-box-iconic-actor-frank-vin">Iconic actor Frank Vincent passes away at age 78</a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-real-dea-agents-of-narcos-javier-pena-and-steve-murphy-talk-a">The Real DEA Agents of Narcos Talk Fact & Fiction</a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-truth-behind-movie-classic-goodfellas">The Truth Behind Movie Classic Goodfellas</a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-truth-behind-movie-classic-casino">The Truth Behind Movie Classic Casino</a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-facts-behind-the-kansas-city-mob-depicted-in-fargo">The Facts Behind the Kansas City Mob depicted in Fargo</a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/inside-the-fbi-new-york-from-hunting-bank-robbers-and-mobsters-to" target="_blank">Inside the FBI: New York</a> - From hunting mobster to fighting terrorism</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">The story behind the documentary: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-story-behind-the-documentary-back-home-years-ago-the-real-cas" target="_blank">Back Home, Years Ago: The Real Casino</a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-godfather-cast-reunites-at-tribeca-film-festival" target="_blank">The Godfather cast reunites at Tribeca Film Festival</a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/snl-does-the-sopranos-finale-parody-with-robert-de-niro-as-robert" target="_blank">SNL does The Sopranos finale parody</a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-mafia-and-seal-team-6-joining-forces">The Mafia and SEAL Team 6 joining forces?</a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Owner of <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/rumble-at-rao-s-it-s-not-over-till-the-fat-lady-sings-the-night-l">Rao's</a> and Sopranos actor <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/owner-of-rao-s-and-notable-actor-frank-pellegrino-sr-dies-at-age">Frank Pellegrino Sr. dies at 72</a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">EXCLUSIVE: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/exclusive-gotti-film-cast-and-crew-get-together-for-big-celebrato">Gotti film crew gets together for dinner</a> - <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/exclusive-gotti-film-cast-and-crew-get-together-for-big-celebrato">New cast members revealed</a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">EXCLUSIVE: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/tj-english-s-cuban-mob-book-the-corporation-turned-into-film">TJ English's Cuban mob book to be turned into movie</a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">EXCLUSIVE: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/new-mob-tv-series-bad-blood-the-vito-rizzuto-story-promises-shake">TV series Bad Blood: The Vito Rizzuto Story</a> promises Shakespearian tale of power and revenge</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">FUNNY VIDEO: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/funny-video-walter-heisenberg-white-to-become-head-of-dea-under-p">Breaking Bad's Walter White to head DEA under Trump</a> (SNL sketch)</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/ufc-champion-conor-mcgregor-s-fascination-with-gangsters">UFC champion Conor McGregor’s fascination with gangsters</a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/american-gangster-myth">American Gangster Myth:</a> The True Story Behind Frank Lucas</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mafia-traitor-tommaso-buscetta-s-life-story-to-hit-big-screen">Mafia traitor Tommaso Buscetta's life story to hit big screen</a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gotti-family-takes-film-director-on-mafia-tour-through-city">Gotti family takes film director on Mafia tour through NY</a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/interview-john-gotti-jr-sits-down-with-gangsters-inc">Gangsters Inc. interview with John Gotti Jr.</a> in which he discusses the movie about his father's life</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/nathan-barksdale-inspiration-for-the-wire-dead-at-54">"Bodie" Barksdale, inspiration for The Wire, dead at 54</a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/breaking-bad-comes-to-las-vegas-mob-museum">Breaking Bad comes to Las Vegas' Mob Museum</a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/better-call-saul-here-s-our-top-5-mob-lawyers">Better Call Saul? Here's our top 5 mob lawyers</a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/media-savvy-hells-angels-turned-notoriety-into-business">Media-savvy Hells Angels turned notoriety into business</a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/real-life-owner-of-bada-bing-strip-club-turns-rat">Real life owner of Bada Bing strip club turns rat</a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/will-johnny-depp-s-whitey-bulger-stick-to-facts">Will Johnny Depp's Whitey Bulger stick to the facts?</a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/with-broome-street-boys-director-brings-back-gritty-mob-flick">With Broome Street Boys director brings back gritty mob flick</a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/what-was-sean-penn-s-role-in-the-capture-of-el-chapo">What was Sean Penn's role in the capture of El Chapo?</a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/joe-pesci-actor-rapper-wiseguy">Joe Pesci: Actor, Rapper, Wiseguy</a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/insulting-mobsters-with-don-rickles">Insulting mobsters with comedy legend Don Rickles</a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-someone-stole-the-watch-off-a-dying-tony-soprano">How someone stole the watch off a dying Tony Soprano</a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-the-chicago-outfit-made">How the Chicago made its Hollywood dreams come true</a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/michael-harris-a-convicted">Michael Harris</a>: Convicted drug kingpin who gave actor Denzel Washington his start</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/reality-tv-showing-audiences-fake-ganglands">Reality TV showing audiences fake ganglands</a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/jon-stewart-s-the-daily-mafia-show">Jon Stewart's The Daily Show's greatest Mafia hits.. uh bits!</a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/supreme-gangster-giant-towers-over-queens-rap">Supreme: Gangster giant towers over Queens rap</a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/hong-kong-triads-and-their-lucrative-movie-industry">Hong Kong Triads and 'their' lucrative movie industry</a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/rap-mogul-suge-knight-shot-six-times-at-vma-party">Rap mogul Suge Knight shot six times at VMA party</a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mob-wives-gangster-gets-20-years-to-life-in-weapons-case">Mob Wives gangster gets 20-years-to-life in weapons case</a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gangster-squad-cop-celebrates-100th-birthday">Gangster Squad cop celebrates 100th birthday</a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/art-imitating-life-imitating">The Mob: Art imitating life imitating art</a></p></div>
Famous movie star and respected gangster - Profile of 14K Triad boss Michael Chan
https://gangstersinc.org/profiles/blogs/famous-movie-star-and-respected-gangster-profile-of-14k-triad-bos
2021-04-27T06:00:00.000Z
2021-04-27T06:00:00.000Z
Gangsters Inc.
https://gangstersinc.org/members/GangstersInc
<div><p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/famous-movie-star-and-respected-gangster-profile-of-14k-triad-bos" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9237153892,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9237153892?profile=original" /></a>By "Asian Gangsters" for <a href="http://www.gangstersinc.org" target="_blank">Gangsters Inc.</a></p>
<p>Most people know the Chinese Triads as super secret societies that are shrouded in mystery. Despite the tradition of secrecy, some Triad members are celebrities. One of these men is legendary Hong Kong actor Michael Chan. He was not only an amazing actor but a respected gangster as well. Some of Chan’s leading roles are forever classics in the history of Hong Kong film. He had a long career on the streets and on the big screen, and he is one of the men we think of when we think about the dark side of Hong Kong cinema.</p>
<p>Michael Chan was born Chan Wai-man (陳惠敏) in <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Guangdong" target="_blank">Guangdong</a>, <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=China" target="_blank">China</a> in 1943. His family relocated to <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=HongKong" target="_blank">Hong Kong</a> when Michael was a young boy. He grew up in a Hakka village in Tsuen Wan, which is located in the New Territories region of Hong Kong. The family was lower class, and he was forced to become a man at an early age. By the time Michael was 12 he was working in a spinning mill to support the family. Around the same time, he was hustling on the streets and joined a local youth gang. Joining a street gang as a young kid was a normal part of life in Hong Kong in this era. Chan was also training in martial arts, which would eventually shape his criminal and film career.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>From law enforcement to the 14K Triad</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><a href="http://www.gangstersinc.org" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9237154652,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9237154652?profile=original" /></a></strong></span><strong><em>Photo: Chan during his acting days, showing his Triad tattoos.</em></strong></p>
<p>When Chan was 17 he became a correction officer in a Hong Kong prison, so he could see the other side of the law. By 19 years old he was promoted to a street officer with the anti-drug unit in Hong Kong. In the prison and on the streets, Chan made many underworld connections, and he became closely associated with the <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/triads-overview" target="_blank">Triads</a>. His relationship with the Triads eventually got him kicked out of the police force. This is when he decided to become an official member of one of the largest Triad groups, the <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=14K" target="_blank">14K</a>.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>READ: Asia’s Most Wanted Drug Lord - Profile of Triad boss</strong> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/asia-s-most-wanted-drug-lord-profile-of-triad-boss-tse-chi-lop-ni" target="_blank"><strong>Tse Chi Lop, nicknamed “Brother Number Three”</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<p>When Chan first joined the <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/triads-overview" target="_blank">Triad</a>, he became heavily involved in the drug trade and night club scene in Tsim Sha Tsui. Chan described the 60s and 70s in Hong Kong as a wild time for partying with a booming night scene. Chan and his crew took full advantage of the newfound decadence. Chan claims he ran the entire Tsim Sha Tsui area and had almost all the businesses in the area paying him extortion money. He eventually became a “red stick” in the 14K, which is a high ranking title given to trained fighters who run the enforcing part of the gang. It was said that Chan once had at least 500 loyal men at his command.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Behind every strong man is a strong woman</strong></span></p>
<p><a href="http://www.gangstersinc.org" target="_blank"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9237154495,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9237154495?profile=original" /></a>At age 25, Chan met a teenage girl named Wu Guoying (right, next to Chan). Wu helped out his criminal career by collecting extortion money. She also took the blame for Chan in a gun case and ended up serving 2 years in prison for her man. Chan also was involved in an affair with a Japanese actress that he met on set. Despite his disloyalty, Wu remained by his side, and the two would remain lifelong partners.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Fighting</strong></span></p>
<p>Chan eventually put his fighting ability to legitimate use and he got into professional martial arts in the late 60s. Chan won many fighting competitions in the 70s and 80s, including two <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Kickboxing" target="_blank">kickboxing</a> championships and a few boxing matches. In 1983, at 39 years old, he participated in the "World Elite Fighting Competition" and took only 35 seconds to knock down Japanese boxer Tsuyoshi Mirosaki, which was aired on live tv.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><a href="http://www.gangstersinc.org" target="_blank"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9237155075,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9237155075?profile=original" /></a>Fame</strong></span></p>
<p>In the early 70s, Chan (photo right, Chan on far left with famous actor Jackie Chan on far right) pursued a career in film and has had a long successful acting career. Being inspired by another gangster actor Jimmy Wang Yu, Chan felt he could do the same. Chan’s acting resume is filled with movies of multiple genres, but action pictures were definitely his specialty. Most of Chan’s acting roles he portrayed a gangster, street fighter or professional martial artist. He has a long discography and some of his famous films are Broken Oath, Gangland Odyssey & Bloody Brotherhood.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>READ:</strong> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/hong-kong-triads-and-their-lucrative-movie-industry" target="_blank"><strong>Hong Kong Triads and 'their' lucrative movie industry</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<p>Chan worked with the Shaw Brothers and Golden Harvest production companies, which were known for their triad connections. Although these companies were known for trapping artists in contracts, Michael Chan’s respect in the underworld allowed him freedom in the industry. He formed close relationships with famous men such as Bruce Lee, Chow Yun Fat and Jackie Chan. Bruce Lee’s relationship to Michael Chan and other gangsters led many people to question the official story of Bruce Lee’s death. In a recent interview, Chan claimed that Bruce Lee was a perfect fighter and no gangster would dare touch him.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.gangstersinc.org" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9237155088,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9237155088?profile=original" /></a><strong><em>Photo: Chan and Bruce Lee</em></strong></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Retired?</strong></span></p>
<p>Chan recently has claimed that he is retired from crime but he was arrested in 2013 for attending a Wo Shing Wo (和勝和) Triad meeting. He was arrested again in 2018 for attending a Triad meeting in Cambodia. That same year Chan attended a ceremony marking the establishment of the World Hongmen History and Culture Association headquarters, alongside former 14K boss <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/triad-boss-wan-kuokkoi-aka" target="_blank">Wan Kuok-koi</a> aka "Broken Tooth". Despite his involvement, in a recent interview Chan said that the triads have mostly lost their honor and patriotism, which is something many gangsters of all nationalities say about the modern world. This may be a contributing factor to his supposed retirement.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>READ:</strong> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/triads-origins-of-the-chinese-mafia" target="_blank"><strong>Triads: Origins of the Chinese Mafia</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<p>In his late 70s, Chan is still involved in the film industry. He had a role in a successful 2017 gangster film titled Chasing The Dragon. Chan also does work behind the scenes and still has a close relationship with Jackie Chan. He was in the news most recently for admitting he has lung cancer in September 2020. Chan also announced he’s getting officially married to his longtime partner, Wu Guoying.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.gangstersinc.org" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9237155862,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9237155862?profile=original" /></a>Michael Chan’s life was something out of a movie. He accomplished something that many gangsters wish they could do, and that is being a celebrity to the public while still being respected on the streets. Michael Chan will forever be a legend in Hong Kong and his legacy in the underworld and cinema will last forever.</p>
<p><strong><em>For more on Asian Gangsters check out this <a href="https://www.instagram.com/asian_gangsters/" target="_blank">instagram page</a> or watch the videos on this</em></strong> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo8NubkCy2A_70gyjpnXSYQ" target="_blank"><strong><em>YouTube channel</em></strong></a></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Back to the <a href="https://gangstersinc.org/profiles/blogs/triads-overview">Triads section</a> on Gangsters Inc.</strong></li>
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<li><strong><a href="https://gangstersinc.org/profiles/blogs/about-gangsters-inc">About Gangsters Inc.</a></strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Copyright © Gangsters Inc.</strong></p>
<p> </p></div>
IN PICTURES: Scampia neighborhood made famous by TV series Gomorra to be demolished
https://gangstersinc.org/profiles/blogs/in-pictures-scampia-neighborhood-made-famous-by-tv-series-gomorra
2020-02-22T12:53:54.000Z
2020-02-22T12:53:54.000Z
Gangsters Inc.
https://gangstersinc.org/members/GangstersInc
<div><p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/in-pictures-scampia-neighborhood-made-famous-by-tv-series-gomorra" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9237149673,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9237149673?profile=original" /></a>By David Amoruso for <a href="http://www.gangstersinc.org" target="_blank">Gangsters Inc.</a></p>
<p>The Sails of <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Scampia" target="_blank">Scampia</a> (<em>Vele di Scampia</em>) in <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Naples" target="_blank">Naples</a>, Italy, are coming down. Demolition of three of the buildings that have become the epitome of poverty and crime began on Thursday. The Scampia neighborhood is dominated by the <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Camorra" target="_blank">Camorra</a> and is one of the biggest <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Drugs" target="_blank">drug</a> markets in Italy. Then, in its final years, it became famous thanks to the critically acclaimed hit tv show <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Gomorra" target="_blank">Gomorra</a>.</p>
<p>Created by architect Francesco di Salvo and built in the 1960s up until 1980, they had planned a bright future for “le Vele” like city builders had done for so many other affordable urban housing projects around the world. Likewise, the plans never quite came to fruition in Scampia either. Rampant corruption and an influx of poor squatters made the buildings a perfect breeding ground for <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/italian-organized-crime" target="_blank">organized crime</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/GangstersInc" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9237150290,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9237150290?profile=original" /></a><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Camorra clans fight over Scampia</strong></span></p>
<p>In Scampia, <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/camorra-overview" target="_blank">Camorra</a> boss Paolo di Lauro ruled supreme. His troops moved tons of <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Heroin" target="_blank">heroin</a> and <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Cocaine" target="_blank">cocaine</a> through “le Vele” and made untold millions, while the place continued to break down. Despite its squalor appearance, it was an area worth dying for.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/GangstersInc" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9237149900,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9237149900?profile=original" /></a>In 2004 and into 2005, the Di Lauro clan fought a fierce battle against a separatist clan, aptly labeled the “scissionisti” or “secessionists”, led by Raffaele Amato. While the war raged, and over 130 people were slaughtered, Amato fled to Spain, earning his group the derogatory nickname “Spaniards” in Scampia.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>READ:</strong> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/naples-camorra-mafia-boss-marco-di-lauro-s-days-as-a-super-fugiti" target="_blank"><strong>Camorra boss Marco Di Lauro’s days as a fugitive come to an end</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<p>Paolo di Lauro was arrested in a simple apartment in the Secondigliano neighborhood of Naples in September of 2005. He received a 30-year prison sentence for narcotics trafficking.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/GangstersInc" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9237150896,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9237150896?profile=original" /></a>Raffaele Amato was arrested while leaving a casino in <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Barcelona" target="_blank">Barcelona</a>, <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Spain" target="_blank">Spain</a>, in February of 2005. He was extradited to Italy and eventually sentenced in 2010 to 20 years in prison for drug trafficking, money laundering, and various other charges.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Gomorra brings the (in)fame</strong></span></p>
<p>Italian journalist <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Saviano" target="_blank">Roberto Saviano</a> detailed the Camorra war over Scampia in his outstanding book Gomorra (Gomorrah), published in 2006. Due to his writings, the <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Camorra" target="_blank">Camorra</a> put a murder contract on his life. Saviano has been in hiding and under constant state protection ever since.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>READ: "Camorra dei bimbi" -</strong> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/fugitive-camorra-boss-pasquale-sibillo-captured" target="_blank"><strong>Profile of Camorra boss Pasquale Sibillo</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<p>His book was turned into a motion picture in 2008, followed by a television series in 2014. All titled Gomorra, both offer a raw look inside Scampia, with much of the filming during both projects done on location.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/GangstersInc" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9237152284,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9237152284?profile=original" /></a>The photos shown here were posted on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/salvatoreesposito/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> by actor <a href="https://www.instagram.com/salvatoreesposito/" target="_blank">Salvatore Esposito</a>, who plays Gennaro, the son of Camorra boss <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Savastano" target="_blank">Pietro Savastano</a>. The Savastanos are loosely based on Paolo di Lauro and his <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/naples-camorra-mafia-boss-marco-di-lauro-s-days-as-a-super-fugiti" target="_blank">sons</a>, who followed in his footsteps.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/GangstersInc" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9237152853,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9237152853?profile=original" /></a><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Dignity</strong></span></p>
<p>Only one of the four buildings that are part of “le Vele” will remain standing. This building will be renovated. “I lived in one of these buildings in Scampia for 20 years and, believe me, we had enough of all the people who slandered us, saying we were the inhabitants of Gomorrah,” Lorenzo Liparulo, one of the leaders of the residents’ association, told newspaper <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/20/scampia-residents-mourn-homes-as-razing-of-gomorrah-begins" target="_blank">The Guardian</a>. “There are people here who lived with dignity, despite everything.”</p>
<p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/GangstersInc" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9237152677,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9237152677?profile=original" /></a></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Back to the <a href="https://gangstersinc.org/profiles/blogs/camorra-overview">Camorra section</a> on Gangsters Inc.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Check out the latest news on organized crime and the Mafia at our <a href="https://gangstersinc.ning.com/blog/list/tag/news">news section</a></strong></li>
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</ul>
<p><strong>Copyright © Gangsters Inc.</strong></p></div>
Jumping Bail: How legendary drug kingpin Frank “Black Caesar” Matthews disappeared forever
https://gangstersinc.org/profiles/blogs/jumping-bail-how-legendary-drug-kingpin-frank-black-caesar-matthe
2019-06-08T13:06:29.000Z
2019-06-08T13:06:29.000Z
Gangsters Inc.
https://gangstersinc.org/members/GangstersInc
<div><p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/jumping-bail-how-legendary-drug-kingpin-frank-black-caesar-matthe" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9237119672,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9237119672?profile=original" /></a>By Ron Chepesiuk</p>
<p><em>“Mr. Deary, am I going to get that life count they’ve been talking about?” -</em> <strong>Frank Matthews</strong></p>
<p>July, 2, 1973, a typical hot, muggy day in New York City. Frank Matthews, alleged drug kingpin, is scheduled to appear in a federal court in Brooklyn, New York. He is already facing six charges of drug trafficking and conspiracy, but the new indictment will add charges and supersede the first one. On December 20, 1972, federal prosecutors swore out a warrant for Matthews’ arrest, accusing him of possessing 15 kilos of <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Cocaine" target="_blank">cocaine</a> worth an estimated $3.6 million at street prices. About two weeks later, the authorities finally arrested Matthews in Las Vegas, one of his favorite haunts, as he prepared to leave the city and fly to <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=LA" target="_blank">Los Angeles</a> for the Super Bowl VII game between the Miami Dolphins and Washington Redskins.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Making bail while being a kingpin</strong></span></p>
<p>After being extradited from Las Vegas to <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=NY" target="_blank">New York City</a>, Matthews had managed to secure bail despite the claim of the federal government that he is the U.S.’s biggest drug trafficker. Federal prosecutors and law enforcement officials who investigated the Matthews organization considered the bail of $325,000 a bad joke, and they worried that Matthews would skip town. After all, investigators had evidence that Matthews may be been quietly stashing $1 million a month for the past several months. So why, they wondered, would the drug kingpin be doing that unless he was preparing for his imminent flight? All Matthews had to do to meet the bond requirements was to report regularly to the U.S. Attorney’s office and stay within the jurisdiction of the Eastern District of New York. Being short of manpower, law enforcement had no way of keeping tabs on Matthews.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>King of New York City</strong></span></p>
<p>The suspect’s attitude and demeanor reinforced the authorities’ concern. The charismatic and handsome <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Matthews" target="_blank">Matthews</a> swaggered into the federal courthouse and greeting everyone he met with a broad smile and a friendly nod, while flirting with the ladies. Law enforcement officials could only look on and marvel. “Frank looked and acted like the King of New York City,” said Ray Deary, the Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District who had served in the Appeals Division since 1971. “He walked around our turf like he owned it.”</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>READ: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/elusive-drug-boss-frank-matthews-to-hit-the-big-screen-from-narco" target="_blank">Elusive drug boss Frank Matthews to hit the big screen</a>: From narco billionaire at 28 to mysterious phantom</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>Deary was right. Frank Matthews is no ordinary criminal. On the mean streets of the urban jungles of America Matthews’ exploits have earned him the moniker of “Black Caesar.” He is charismatic as well as dangerous and even his adversaries, the authorities, have a grudging respect for him.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>READ: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/drug-kingpin-freeway-rick-ross-moving-tons-of-cocaine-with-a-nod" target="_blank">Drug kingpin “Freeway” Rick Ross</a>: Moving tons of cocaine with a nod of approval from the Reagan White House</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>Matthews seemingly unconcern about the serious charges that could put him in jail for several decades baffled the authorities. They could not tail him, but they had received reports that Matthews has been conducting business with his associates even before securing bail. Sources within the West Street Detention Center, where Matthews had been detained after his arrest, observed that top lieutenants of his organization, as well as his lawyer, Gino Gallina, were visiting him frequently, and it seemed to the sources that Matthews was giving instructions and orders.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Bad company</strong></span></p>
<p>After his release on bond, Black Caesar was seen in the company of several leading drug dealers and gamblers. Moreover, Matthews was in the constant company of Cheryl Denise Brown, a beautiful light-skinned black woman who turned heads wherever she went. It should have been an embarrassment to the alleged drug kingpin since he had a common law wife, Barbara Hinton, and three kids waiting for him at home. But Hinton, herself an attractive woman, did not seem to be bothered or embarrassed by Matthews’ apparent public infidelity, even after the family was forced to leave their luxurious surroundings for a more modest apartment at 2785 Ocean Parkway in <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Brooklyn" target="_blank">Brooklyn</a>. In better days, Matthews had used the Ocean Parkway apartment as a getaway and a place to stash his many paramours. In their effort to nail Matthews, prosecutors hauled Hinton before a grand jury, offering her immunity if she would cooperate with their case against her husband. Hinton refused, even though she faced a possible conspiracy charge herself.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/GangstersInc" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9237119882,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9237119882?profile=original" /></a><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>“Am I gonna get that life count?”</strong></span></p>
<p>Then a few days before his scheduled court appearance, Matthews arrived in the Brooklyn federal court building with his lawyer, Gino Gallina, when he bumped into Federal Prosecutor Raymond Deary as Deary was leaving a room. Matthews said to Deary, “Mr. Deary, am I gonna get that life count they been talking about?” Matthews was referring to part of section 848 of the Controlled Substances Act of 1970: “Any person who engages in a continuing criminal enterprise shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment which may not be less than 20 years and which may be up to life imprisonment.” The thought of Section 848 terrified many traffickers because they feared that, if convicted under the statue, they would spend the rest of their lives in prison.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>READ: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/united-blood-nation-godfather-says-he-is-part-of-the-last-ones-th" target="_blank">United Blood Nation Godfather says he is part</a> of “the last ones that God put in power”</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>Deary looked at Matthews and said, “It’s very possible, Frank...very possible.” Later, Deary said he was joking, but for Matthews, spending his life in jail was no joking matter. “Frank knew what the 848 could do to him,” recalled Liddy Jones, a former drug kingpin and an associate of Matthews. “No way was he going to spend the rest of his life in jail.”</p>
<p>Inside the steamy courthouse on this sweltering July day in 1973, the electric fans whirred as the judge, federal prosecutors and the defense team waited patiently for Frank Matthews to appear. But he never did.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Fugitive</strong></span></p>
<p>Instead, he became a <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Fugitive" target="_blank">fugitive</a> from justice. In the coming weeks, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (<a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=DEA" target="_blank">DEA</a>), the lead agency in the investigation of Frank Matthews, is confident they will apprehend the fugitive. After all, don’t law enforcement officials always get their man? The weeks turned into months and the months into years, and law enforcement did not catch him. The <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-life-of-a-u-s-marshal-hunting-down-fugitive-mobsters-and-alwa" target="_blank">U.S. Marshal Service</a> took over the hunt for Matthews from the DEA. There were alleged sightings of Matthews in more than 50 countries. Cheryl Brown, Matthews’ mistress disappeared the same time he did, and her whereabouts were just as mysterious. No informant stepped forward. No bodies were ever found. No fingerprints were discovered. No solid leads appeared. Nothing.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>READ:</strong> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/american-gangster-frank-lucas-dead-at-88" target="_blank"><strong>“American Gangster” Frank Lucas dead at 88</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<p>With time, law enforcement moved on to other priorities. New generations of law enforcement officials replaced the old guard and they knew little about Matthews. Periodically, Matthews’ story appeared briefly in the press and rekindled speculation. Is he alive or is he dead? The public wondered. But then the reports faded from public consciousness and people focused on other crime stories.</p>
<p>What follows is the remarkable story of the legendary Frank Matthews, one of organized crime’s most original gangsters. It is the story of the biggest gangster mystery of all time. It is a story with an improbable beginning and a story with no conclusive ending.</p>
<p><em>Author <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Chepesiuk" target="_blank">Ron Chepesiuk</a> details this story in his book Black Caesar: The Rise and Disappearance of Frank Matthews, Kingpin of which the above is an excerpt. The book will be made into a <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/elusive-drug-boss-frank-matthews-to-hit-the-big-screen-from-narco" target="_blank">movie</a>. Gangsters Inc. <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/elusive-drug-boss-frank-matthews-to-hit-the-big-screen-from-narco" target="_blank">interviewed</a> Chepesiuk about the project, which is sure to be a major blockbuster.</em></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Back to the <a href="https://gangstersinc.org/profiles/blogs/black-organized-crime">Black organized crime</a> section on Gangsters Inc.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Check out the latest news on organized crime and the Mafia at our <a href="https://gangstersinc.ning.com/blog/list/tag/news">news section</a></strong></li>
<li><strong>Check out our <a href="https://gangstersinc.org/blog/gangsters-inc-on-social-media">social media channels</a></strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="https://gangstersinc.org/profiles/blogs/about-gangsters-inc">About Gangsters Inc.</a></strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Copyright © Gangsters Inc.</strong></p>
<p> </p></div>
Gotti family takes film director on Mafia tour through city
https://gangstersinc.org/profiles/blogs/gotti-family-takes-film-director-on-mafia-tour-through-city
2015-09-30T18:30:00.000Z
2015-09-30T18:30:00.000Z
Gangsters Inc.
https://gangstersinc.org/members/GangstersInc
<div><p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gotti-family-takes-film-director-on-mafia-tour-through-city"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9237054652,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9237054652?profile=original" width="520" /></a>By David Amoruso</p>
<p>The life of John Gotti, America’s most famous mob boss since Al Capone, will hit the big screen and his family is making sure it will be done right. Gotti’s wife and son are giving actor John Travolta and director Kevin Connolly full access to what was once the Teflon Don’s inner sanctum.</p>
<p>There is no shortage of stories about John Gotti Sr. He was on the front page of numerous newspapers and magazines and the main subject of countless books and documentaries. Before HBO brought us <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Sopranos">The Sopranos</a>, it made the TV movie Gotti (1996), starring Armand Assante as the Dapper Don. But this latest project will be different. Not only are the makers taking the story to the big screen, this time they want to do the story of John Gotti Sr. justice.</p>
<p>And they will do so with the backing of the entire <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Gotti">Gotti</a> family.</p>
<p>At the beginning of this month, it was announced that Kevin Connolly, known for his role in <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=HBO">HBO</a>’s Entourage, will direct the movie. On Monday, the young director was taken on a tour through the neighborhood by John Gotti Junior, who was part of a leadership panel that ruled the <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gambino-crime-family-overview">Gambino crime family</a> after his dad went to prison. He has since said farewell to “the life.”</p>
<p>The upcoming movie is based on his book <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/exclusive-excerpt-of-john-gotti-junior-s-new-book">Shadow of My Father</a> - <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/exclusive-excerpt-of-john-gotti-junior-s-new-book">exclusive book excerpt here</a>, which details Gotti Senior’s rise to power in the <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Mob">Mafia</a>, his personal life at home with his family, and his relationship with his son John Junior who followed his father into the mob. Junior quickly rose through the ranks, but after becoming part of a panel that led the family the FBI managed to lock him up. While behind bars he was hit with a new indictment. However, that trial ended in a mistrial, the first of four. After that, Gotti Jr. is allowed to walk away a free man.</p>
<p>Gotti Junior’s sister <a href="https://twitter.com/AngelGotti5" target="_blank">Angel</a> posted several photos of the tour and meeting between Kevin Connolly and the Gotti family on <a href="https://twitter.com/AngelGotti5" target="_blank">Twitter</a> which she agreed to share with Gangsters Inc. - <em><strong>see photo above</strong></em>. Asked which sites the guys visited, Angel told Gangsters Inc., “They took [Connolly] to my mom's house and 101st Ave in Ozone Park, [where the Bergin Hunt and Fish Club, Gotti’s headquarters used to be.]” (<strong><em>See photos below.</em></strong>)</p>
<p>Besides taking Connolly to some of the old places, the Gottis are also showing him some home movies of their beloved patriarch. Everything to make sure the movie will give an accurate portrayal of John Gotti Sr.</p>
<p>While some people say Connolly is too inexperienced to pull off this movie, Angel Gotti has full confidence in him. “I think Kevin will do a great job,” she tells me. “I heard a few of his ideas and they sound great.”</p>
<p>Actor John Travolta is already immersed in the role he will soon be playing. “He’s an amazing actor,” Gotti Jr. said in an <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gotti-junior-about-his-father-the-mafia-john-travolta">earlier interview</a>. “He’ll talk to me on the phone and will call me up about quotes. How would he have said this? Would he curse like this? Curse like that? How would he hold his hand? Would he hold his wrist out and show off his watch and ring? He’s asking me all these little details.”</p>
<p>Just like Connolly, Travolta was given a tour of Gotti’s old home as well. He even <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gotti-junior-about-his-father-the-mafia-john-travolta">lay on Gotti’s bed</a>. “Travolta will nail it!” Angel Gotti says. “I have no doubts about that.”</p>
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Michael Harris: A Convicted Drug Kingpin Who Gave Denzel His Start on Broadway
https://gangstersinc.org/profiles/blogs/michael-harris-a-convicted
2011-06-09T20:00:00.000Z
2011-06-09T20:00:00.000Z
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<div><p style="text-align:left;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/michael-harris-a-convicted"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9236995460,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9236995460?profile=original" width="479" /></a>Special to Gangsters Inc.<br /> This is an excerpt from Straight from the Hood: Amazing but True Gangster Tales, a new book by Ron Chepesiuk and Scott Wilson that’s published by Strategic Media Books (<a href="http://www.strategicmediabooks.com">www.strategicmediabooks.com</a>). <br /> <br /> <strong>Michael Harris: A Convicted Drug Kingpin Who Gave One of America’s Most Respected Actors His Start on Broadway</strong><br /> <br /> By Ron Chepesiuk and Scott Wilson<br /> <br /> The street hustler who wants to go legit is as well worn a cliché as you are likely to find in the annals of criminal lore. It also happens to be based in truth. Many gangsters throughout history have invested money in legitimate businesses. While some do this simply as a money laundering front, others do so with the hopes of finally and completely transitioning over into the straight world. While the instincts that serve one well in the streets rarely work in the “real” world, some gangsters do have legitimate business savvy that can be applied in other areas. The proliferation of the cocaine trade throughout the 1980s gave many enterprising hustlers a chance to finance their dreams. One nearly made it.</p>
<p style="text-align:left;">Michael Harris was born on September 20th, 1960, on West 46th Street in South Central Los Angeles. He was raised is a single parent household by a hardworking mother. She had two jobs, leaving her with very little time to watch over her son. Michael’s father, who he described as a “wealthy businessman with three families,” left when the he was just five years old. His mother tried hard to make sure that he had a semblance of a normal family life, as well as an alternative to what the increasingly dangerous streets of south central had to offer. She helped to send him to West Los Angeles community college. <br /> <br /> Unfortunately, her vision was not to be. This was the turbulent 1960s. Machinations were already underway that would affect Michael’s young adulthood. Racial and economic tensions were reshaping the public consciousness. The civil rights movement was well underway, with the black power movement soon to follow. In the black working class city of Oakland, The Black Panther Party for Self Defense was born. The party would have a profound influence on black youth nationwide, especially in cities along the West Coast. They influenced many ghetto youths to politicize and organize. As the sixties transitioned into the seventies, the Panthers were weakened through infighting and assaults by various government agencies.<br /> <br /> Various street gangs in Los Angeles, once inspired by the Panthers, began to step into the void that was left. They became more militaristic and organized their feuds more plentiful and bloody. Soon, pretty much every black gang in L.A. claimed affiliation with either the Bloods or the Crips. While under that banner, they identified with their neighborhood of origin, splitting into various sets or “factions.” Michael Harris became affiliated with a Blood set known as the Bounty Hunters.<br /> <br /> In the 1970s, America began a love affair with cocaine. Popularized by the disco scene, cocaine was seen as something of a lavish indulgence, relegated to the rich. In the 1980s, a cheaper, smoke able version known as crack made te drug accessible to the poorer classes. South Central was ground zero for the crack explosion, and Michael Harris was in a position to capitalize. He began selling cocaine with his younger brother David and became what fellow bloods might have referred to as a “Baller,” or a fellow gang member who strikes it rich in the drug trade. <br /> <br /> Harris lorded over a drug empire that supplied cocaine to many states across the U.S., including Los Angeles, Texas and New York. He was so adept at moving the product that Columbian suppliers were encouraged to deal with him directly. At age 26, Michael “Harry-O” Harris was a millionaire. <br /> <br /> At this point, Harris decided it was time to leave the drug business behind and pursue more legitimate goals. He began to invest in real estate and various businesses. He owned a 20 fleet limousine service, hair salons, an exotic car dealership and a construction company. Harris also seemed to have an affinity for the entertainment industry. He produced a play called Stepping into Tomorrow that featured the daughters of slain black leaders Martin Luther King and Malcolm X, as well as the daughters of Harry Bellafonte and Sidney Poitier. He also produced a Broadway play called Checkmates, which featured Ruby Dee, Paul Winnfield and an up and coming star named Denzel Washington.<br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9236995490,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9236995490,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9236995490?profile=original" width="589" /></a></p>
<center><strong>Denzel Washington & Michael Harris</strong>
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<p><br /> Washington, a native of Mount Vernon, New York, had already developed quite a resume by the time Checkmates premiered on Broadway. He was known for playing Dr. Phillip Chandler on the acclaimed hospital drama St. Elsewhere. He had been nominated for a best actor Oscar for Cry Freedom. Checkmates was his Broadway debut, adding to what had already been shaping up to be a stellar career. <br /> <br /> Checkmates was also a landmark in a very different sense. Michael Harris, gang-member and cocaine kingpin, was the first African American to produce a Broadway show. This milestone might have been more celebrated had it not been for his previous occupation. The fact that he was arrested as Checkmates premiered on Broadway certainly didn’t help matters at all. <br /> <br /> Harris was charged with narcotics distribution and attempted murder. He was convicted on the attempted murder charge (which has since been recanted) in 1987, and has since been serving a 28-year sentence in San Quinton maximum security prison. His entrepreneurial spirit did not die in prison. In fact, he is probably better known to the public as the man who put up $1.5 million in seed money for a fledgling gangster rap label called Death Row Records. Death Row went on to become one of the most storied and infamous labels in music history. Though Harris was not able to partake in any of the spoils, his wife won a $106 million lawsuit against the label in 2005, sending it into bankruptcy.<br /> <br /> Denzel Washington, of course, is now one of the most popular and respected actors in cinema history. He has made a career of roles that present positive and powerful images of black manhood (his Oscar-winning turn in Training Day being a rare exception to that rule). He met Michael Harris through the limousine company that he owned, which is how he ended up scoring the role in Checkmates. It would not be unreasonable to conclude that Denzel had no idea of Michael’s real occupation at the time, since it surely would not have been in his best interest to advertise his status as a major cocaine dealer.<br /> <br /> Had Michael Harris been allowed to complete his transition into the entertainment business, there is no telling what he could have accomplished. Perhaps there would have been more productions starring Mr. Washington. Alas, the drug game is not known for allowing an easy exodus. Harris likely knew that going in. He has received parole and is currently awaiting release. Meanwhile, Denzel Washington is likely signing on for a role in another blockbuster and making space on his shelf for another award. <br /> <br /> <strong>About the Authors:</strong> <br /> <br /> <strong>Ron Chepesiuk</strong> (<a href="http://www.ronchepesiuk.com">www.ronchepesiuk.com</a>) is award winning freelance investigative journalist, documentary producer and Executive Producer and co-host of the Crime Beat radio show <a href="http://www.artistfirst.com/crimebeat.htm/">www.artistfirst.com/crimebeat.htm/</a>. He is a Fulbright scholar and a consultant to the History Channel's Gangland documentary series. His true crime books include "Drug Lords, Black Gangsters of Chicago, Gangsters of Harlem Gangsters of Miami" and Sergeant Smack: The Lives and Times of Ike Atkinson. Kingpin, and his Band of Brothers.(<a href="http://www.ikeatkinsonkingpin.com">www.ikeatkinsonkingpin.com</a>) <br /> <br /> <strong>Scott Wilson</strong> is a native of Bronx, NY and a former New York State and Westchester County correction officer. He is a freelance journalist who has done work for publications such as Don Diva Magazine and Hip-Hop Weekly. He currently writes for the website Planet Ill (<a href="http://www.planetill.com">www.planetill.com</a>), as well as his own blog Scott’s Introspection Section (<a href="http://www.scottsmindfield.com">www.scottsmindfield.com</a>). He has also been interviewed by Rap Entertainment Television (<a href="http://www.rapentertainment.com">www.rapentertainment.com</a>) for a documentary on former heroin kingpin Leslie “Ike” Atkinson.</p>
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